Awning construction



A118- 4 41953 F. c. RUsfsELl. Erm.. 2,647,291

AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 8. 1949 sellsheet 1 INVENTORS FRANK C. RUSSELL BYARTHUR ALENSMINGER ATTORN EYS llg 4, 1953 F. c. RUSSELL Erm. 2,647,291

AWN-ING coNsTRUTIoN Filed Feb.v 8, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS 'FRANK C. RUSSELL BYARTHUR A. ENSMINGER duw-169k ATTORN EYS llg- 4, 1953 F. c:` RUSSELL Erm- 2,647,291

- AWNING CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 8, 1949 3 snee-team z INVENTORS FRANK C. RUSSELL BYARTHUR A. ENSMINGER tm/mfr* le,

ATTORN EYS acteristics.

Patented ug. 4, 1.953

vUNITED; STATES 4PATEN'I gOFFICE' AWN IN G CONSTRUCTION Frank C. Russell and Arthur A. Ensminger, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to The F. C. Russell Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application February 8, 1949, Serial No. 75,262

(Cl. 2li-57.5)

16 Claims.

This invention relates to awnings or canopies, more particularly to rigid type sheet metal awnings having movable louvers. Canopies or awnings -of the character mentioned are useful in many applications andit is. desirable to make that requirements for different sizes can be economically satisfied without excessive cost for individual construction of each awning.

It is therefore one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide a generally improved canopy or awning structure of such'design that the component parts can' be economi- Vcally mass produced and are easily fabricated into awnings of different sizes. More particularly, it is sought to provide improved awning frame members of uniform section designed for fabrication out of sheet metal by conventional metal forming processes such as bending, rolling and stamping.

Another object is to improve the design of awning frame members to the end that they can be formed of relatively thin sheet metal and yet exhibit adequate strength and rigidity charto provide awning frame members of sheet metal having substantially uniform sections throughout their lengths, the sections being formed with a number of parallel bends disposed and arranged to reinforce and strengthen the sheet metal and to incorporate in the frame members elements functioning as drains, spacers and limit pect of the inventiomthere is provided a composite frame structure wherein frame members of adjoining louver assemblies are held' together in predetermined relation by a 'connecting vor vclosure element, preferably in the form of a strip of uniform section throughout its length.

. In such an arrangement additional advantages are achieved by the provision of a closure member slidably received along the edges of companion members of adjacent louver groups, the

More specifically the invention seeks actuating mechanism,

closuremember being interlocked with the companion. members to prevent lateral separation of the parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved operator for actuating in unison a plurality of movable louvers in an awning or canopy of the character mentioned. This object is achieved in an operator incorporating a rotatable rod or shaft which mayvextend through the wall of a building on which the awning is mounted, the rod carrying an element engageable in a multiplicity of dilferent rotative positions with a mating element carried by the building or rod support. The mating elements desirably are in the form of a plug and socket which preferably are fluted or splined toA resist relative turning. Yieldable-resllient means hold the mating parts or elements in interlocking engagement save when manually separated for adjustment of the shaft todifferent rotative positions. t

A still further object of the invention is to provide a bank or group of relatively large, movable louvers and a supporting structure for mounting the sameon a building, in combination with a bank or group of relatively line or small louvers, the small louvers being assembled together and framed as a unit and the unit being mounted in the supporting structure for bodily removal and replacement as desired.

Other objects and advantages relating to certain details of construction and arrangements of parts are set forth in the following detailed description of a suitable embodiment of the invention. This description is made in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification. Like parts throughout the several views are indicated by the same numerals -of reference. v

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an end elevational View of an awning or canopy representative of the present invention secured to an upright face or wall of a building over a window opening in the latter, the view being partly in section with parts broken away and removed;

Fig. 2 is a sectional detail showing the operating handle and related parts of the louver this view being enlarged with respect to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end view-of the awning canopy showing the manner in which horizontal and vertical components of the supporting frame structure are folded into parallelism to one another and to the awning frame for shipment or storage;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line indicated at 4-4 of Fig. 3. the louvers and other parts being removed;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line indicated at 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 i's 'a front elevational view of 'the canopy or awningshown in Fig. 1, the several louver banks being foreshortened since they may be made of any desired length;

Fig. 7 is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line indicated at 1-1 of Fig. 6 and enlarged with respect to that figure;

Fig. 8 is an elevational detail at the lower end of the composite or companion rail or iframe member between adjacent groups of louvers, this l view being on an enlarged scale with respect to Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a sectional detail with parts removed, taken substantially along the line indicated at 9*-8 of Fig. 6 and enlarged with respect-to that iig-ure;

Fig` 10 is a sectional detail with parts removed taken substantially along the line indicated at Hb- I0 of Fig. 6 and enlarged with respect to thatigui;

Fig. 11 .is a sectional detail through the com- 'posite or companion frame member, with parts removed, taken .substantially along the line indicated at IIs-*II of Fig. 1 and enlarged with respect to vthat figure;

Fig. 12 is a sectional detail through one of the side frame members of the canopy, this view being taken :substantially `cated at i12-I2 of Fig. 1, with. parts removed and on an enlarged scale with respect to that figure; and

Fig. 13 is asecticnal detail with parts removed, through one V'of the horizontal members. of the supporting structure at one end of the awning, this view being taken substantially along the line indicated at lli-43 of Figl 1l and enlarged with respect to that ligure.

The canopy `or awning of the .present inventionma'y comprise a. single bank -or group of louvers or it may incorporate a number. of -louver banksarranged in side by side relation with their adjacent or companion .frame members coupled to -for-m composite frame assemblies. The illustrative embodiment has two banks or groups A and B of movable llcuvers -3. Each bank includes a pair of spaced side frame members I and 2., which carry the louve/rs -3. yThe side frame member 2 of the louver 'group A and the frame member I ci the louver group Bare combined inv a common or composite frame member C. rAvv-ning groups of any desired lnumber can be arranged in adjoining relation, the adjacent frame members of eachvadjoining pair being arranged into 'composite frame members corresponding to the ,frame member C.

The side frame members I and 2 are of thin sheet metal and are of uniform section throughout their lengths. Formed-metalstrips Eof the same shape are used alternatively for either thev .l

lframe members I or the frame members 2.

:Each trame member comprises arsubstantially dat upright bodyportion 4 and .an offset louver mounting portion 5 which eiit'end 'the ulllength of the strip. 'The mounting port-ion 'is narrower than 'the body portion 4, the two portions being integrally 'joined throughout the length of the strip by a 'connecting portion t. The body portion l and the louver along the line indif mounting 'portion 5 of each frame member are preferably disposed in parallel planes or substantially so.

A cap flange 1, crowned or bowed along its length to increase its rigidity and to form a water shed, is integrally formed along the upper edge of the louver mounting portion 5 and extends laterally at an angle to the latter. The crowning of the cap flange may be in the form of a continuous curve or, as shown, by a longitudinal crease or bend indicated at 8.

An integral base ange I0 is formed along the lower edge of each of the frame members. Edge portions Il of these base flanges are bent upwardly and disposed in spaced parallel relation 'to the corresponding body portions 4 of the frame members providing longitudinally extending drainage channels I2. The cap flange 1 and the base ange II) of each frame member are oppositely directed, the cap flange intersecting and extending through and beyond the plane of the frame body portion 4.l The base flange intersects and extends .through and beyond the plane of the louver mounting portion 5. The eX- tent or height of the upwardly bent edge .portions II of the base flanges -l is restricted rfor rigidity and to avoid being engaged by the louvers 3 when the latter are turned to different positions as will later appear. Preferably the heightV of the upwardly bent edges of the flanges II is less than the width of the horizontally disposed portions of the base flanges Ill-,u

Each of the louvers 3 comprises longitudinally extending portions I4 and I5 arranged in stepped relation offset parallel planes and integrally joined by longitudinally extending connection portions I8. Along the edges ofthe louvers are angularly disposed flanges `Il and il, the flanges I6 being downturned along the lower edge o-f the louver portions I4 and the flanges I'I being upturned along the upper edges of the louver portions I5. When the awning louvers are closed, Figs. l, 6and 9, the louver edgesand the anges I6 and I'! overlap one anothenthe nanges T being disposed inabuttingv relation againstthe louver portions I5 and I4 respectively.

At the ends of the louvers the portions I4 and I5 are .formed with right angle depending flanges 20 and 21| respectively. yThese end flanges are coplanar and the -adjacentredges of each pair abut one another along a line indicated at 2-2. If desired, the abutting edges lmay be welded or otherwise secured together although for most applications it is unnecessary to doso.

`In fact, the lslight springing of the individual louvers along the region of the connecting portions i8 which is permitted during closing of the louvers by reason of the separation of the flanges 20 and 2I allows the edge lflanges IB and I'I to seat snugly in effecting tightweather seals. The depending lower edge flange I6 of each louver and the end .danges 20 of the same louver come together at the `louver vcorners and may be welded if desired, to ferm a box like corner structure to receive the opstand-ing flange 41 of the 'adjacent louver.

The louvers are pivotally -supnqrted by rivets 23 received in apertures providedtherefor in the louver mounting portions 5 of the side frame members. YTo reduce sliding and friction loss, one of each pair 'of the relatively turning parts, .preferably 'the louvei flanges 21, 'are d'inipled as indicated at 24 to provide clearance spaces 2B between 'the nanges and the frame 'member portions 5. The rivets 23 have portions/or dif- 'rerent diameters providing shoulders 25 which serve as stops that seat against the dimpled portions- 24 of the pivot flanges. The rivet ends are upset in the dimpled portions of the flanges to secure the rivets against turning relative thereto, the larger diameter portions of the rivets being rotatably received in the apertures of the side frame portions with the rivet heads inside the frame members.

At points remote from the pivot rivets 23 the louver end flanges 2| receive rivets 21 which connect the louvers to a common operating bar 28 disposed between the louver end flanges and the body portions 4 of the side frame members. The inner faces of the operating bars are substantially ush with the inner faces of the corresponding louver mounting portions 5 of the frame members. The rivets 21 for the operating bar are shouldered similarly to the pivot rivets 23 and may be similarly secured in dimpled portions of the louver flanges or, as shown, may be free turning in the flanges and secured in the spaced apertures of the bars 28.

At the top of the awning is a cross member 30 which is similar to the louvers 3 to harmonize therewith. At its ends the cross member 3|) is rigidly secured to the side frame members and 2 by bolts 3| extending through aligned apertures in the end flanges and 2| and the mounting portions 5 of the side frame members. Along its upper edge the cross member is formed with a depending hook flange 32 in lieu of the upstanding flange |1 on each of the louvers.r This hook flange is received in a V-shaped channel 33 formed along the bottom edge of a support member 34 that is attached as by screws 35 to building B on which the awning is mounted. The hook receiving channel 33 may be formed as by a reversely bent flange 36 upturned along the bottom edge of the Isupport member 34, the flange being disposed at an acute angle to the body of the support member. A channel so formed serves not only as a retainer for the hook flange 32 of the awning cross member but also as a conductor for carrying water that runs -down the side of the building B to the ends of the awning, preventing such water from entering under the awning,

vA bottom cross member 40 extends between the lower ends of the side frame members and .2 and is secured to the latter as by bolts 4| which r lpass through integral flanges 42 formed on the ends of the cross member and through aligned openings in the body portions 4 of the frame members. A reinforcing strip 43 is disposed flatwise against the front of the cross member 40 and is attached to the latter as by bolts 44. The reinforcing strip 43 is of sufficient length to extend across both louver groups A and B, preferably being continuous from end to end of the awning, however many louver groups may be assembled together. Thus the reinforcing strip serves as a connecting or bridging means, tying and integrating together the several groups of louvers. In the case of the assembly of a large number of awning groups such that a single reinforcing strip would be inconvenient or awkward, it is satisfactory to use a series of reinforcing strips arranged in end to end relation, the abutting ends being located intermediate the side frame members and 2 of the louver groups so that the joints between the reinforcing strips 43 are staggered in relation to the joints at the ends of the bottom cross members 40.

If desired, ornamental scallops 45 may be .formed along the bottom edges of the cross members 40. A ller element 46 formed of sheet metal and having a length corresponding to that ofthe individual scallops is fitted across the joint between the ends of the adjacent bottom cross members, being held in place by (the bolts 44. Such a ller is used at the joint between each companion pair of awning groups in multiple groups assemblies. Desirably the ller element 46 is inserted between the cross members 40 and the reinforcing or bridging strips 43, giving a continuous unbroken appearance to the front of the` awning. Bottom edges 41 of the reinforcing strip or strips are straight and continuous across the entire length of the awning assembly.

In the composite assembly of several louver groups, the side frame members of adjacent groups are disposed in back to back companion relation and their cap flanges 1 are overlapped, as illustrated in Fig. 11. At spaced intervals .along the length of the coupled frame members.

wooden spacing blocks 50 are interposed between theframe member body portions 4. Extending longitudinally of the companion frame members, preferably co-extensive in length therewith, is a sheet metal closure member or rstrip 5| in the form of a shallow channel. Bottom 52 of the channel is disposed ilatwise against the flanges IU of the companion side-framemembers while channel flanges 53 are disposed on the outside of and embrace the upturnedframe flanges The upper edge portions of the channel flanges 53 are flanged inwardly as indicated at 54, providing confronting lateral recesses along the sides of the closure channel for receiving the edge flanges of the frame members. The height of the recesses in the closure 5| is substantially equivalent to the height of the upstanding edge anges on the frame members so that the latter, by engagement against the inside of the inturned lfiange edges 54 of the closure channel, retain the bottom 52 of the latter snugly against the base flanges l0 of the frame member.

The wooden spacing blocks 50 prevent collapsing of the frame members and toward one another, thus serving to hold theframe meinber flanges within the r recesses of the closure strip. In assembly, the closure strip'or strips are slid into place longitudinally fromV lone end ofthe coupled side members.V This feature facilitates factory assembly of the individual awning groups, the units being coupled together at the Ibuilding site by means of the closure strips. The

louver groups, each comprising a pair of Yside frame members and 2 to which the louvers are pivoted, and top and bottomcross frame mein- .bers 30 and 40, are receivedat the site of use as assembled unit-s. As` a preferred procedure the reinforcing strips43 and the filler elements 46 are placedafter the louver group units are hung onto the support memberV or members 34 and after the closure channels 5| are slid into place. The gaps or openings closedby the ller 'elements 46 provide clearance spaces for accommodating the closure strips 5| as the latter are slid endwise onto the base flanges ofthe companion side members. The filler elements, when subsequently positioned across the ends of vthe composite frame members preventendwise sliding of the closure Istrips and retain the parts in assembled relation.

At the ends of the awnings, upright frame members 55 and horizontal frame members 56 form, with the vadjacent side frame members I A number of supporting uprights or strands '62 l carryandspace the louver elements. This louvered screening is 'formed as by stamping thin sheet metal to the desiredlouver configuration, or the horizontal louver elements may be .1t-hin sheet metal strips held together by twisted wires which constitute the uprights 62. The margins of the triangular louver type screen are clamped between the sides of the narrow channell'ike supp'lemental frame members tlil, 58 and 5e. The bolts 60 for holding the supplemental screen frame members tog-ether also extend through the body portions l of the adjacent side-frame members and through the awning frame uprights 55 'which carry the supplemental louvered lscreens to support the screens in the triangular end openings of the awning assembly.

The awningnupright '55, formed oi" rolled sheet metal, is substantially L-sliaped in cross section, having an angularly disposed flange Ell which is received flatwise against the building to which the awning is attached. The horizontal member B6 of the awning frame is of thesame shape and cross section as the bottom member Mi, having a series of ornamental scallops 65 along its bottom edge.

In factory assembly of the awning groups, the vertical fra-me members 55 and the horizontal frame members 5t are individually attached to the ends of the side frame members I and 2 by single bolts or rivets 6'5 and 6l respectively. These single bolts, while locating the 4vertical and horizontal frame members on the -side frame members, constitute hinges which permit such frame members to be swung into `the plane voi the louver group and of the side frame members, as shown 'in Fig. 3. In this folded or collapsed ycondition the awning requires only mini-mum space and can be readily handled in storage and shipment. in assembly' at the site, the frame members 55 and 55 are swung away from the fol-ded or collapsed .position shown in Figc tothe open positions of Fig. l. Supplemental fastening elements such as rivets -or bolts, one of which is 'shown at '68, Fig. 9, are then connected through aligned apertures provided therefor `in the frame parts and spaced from the pivot bolts 165 and Bl to secure the awning end frame structures in open position. rhe ends of the horizontal -fraxne members et adjacent the building, in addition to being `secured to the `vertical frame members-:55 by bolts i3, Fig. 13, are formed with integral angulariy disposed flanges 69 that are disposed flatwise against the face of the building andare apertured at T0 to receive fasteners suc-h `as screws for attaching the awning frame tov the building.

'The sheet metal strip material lforrning the horizontalframe members 56 may be of the same .generaly cross 'sectional shape as that 'used for lthe bottom lcross members ill; Preferably, this strip material is shaped to provide 'singularly disposed relation as by welding or 'bolting ends are offset and spaced apart and are conreinforcing flanges 1l along-the upper edges' of the members. In the case of the bottomcross member M the ange 'H is received in the angle between the body portion i4 and the ange 16 of the lowermost louver, such louver being rigidly connected to the side frame members as by bolts 12 in lieu of pivotal mounting. The ange 1l of the horizontal frame memberserves as a support for the horizontal supplemental frame element 58 of the awning end screen.

The strip material forformlng the'bottom-and horizontal frame members is also formed as by embossing or rolling between shaped wheels with an upstanding longitudinally extending ridge 1I. This ridge preferably comprises flat portions 'angularly disposed to one another and to the body of the member. A similar and matching ridge 15 is formed along the reinforcing strip or-strips 43, the hollow or concave side of the latter receiving the ridges-'M of the bottom cross members in in'- tertting relation to resist relative vertical sliding and twisting of theparts. Y

When a number of the present type of awning groups are assembled into relatively large units, it is desirable to Yprovide individual supports or struts for eachfof the companion or intermediate frame assemblies. Such struts desirably take the form of tubular round sectioned pipes one of which is shown at Fig. 10.y These struts extend horizontally between the lower ends of the companion frame members and the building on which the awning is mounted. The building end of each pipe'strut is conventionally attached to thelface ofthe building and the outer end thereof threadedly receives a socket fitting ll formed with an eye which receives a bolt Hin a clevis bracket l. The apertured basetof this bracket is fastened against the underside of the closure member 5l as by screws which may be engaged in one of the spacing blocks Eil-or, as shown, by bolts Sil which extend through boththe closure member 5i and the base flanges il! of the companion frame members. 1

' To operate the movable louvers a reciprocable link is connected between one of the' upper louvers and a crank that can be manipulated from within the building. Desirabl'y the links for op'- erating the-louvers of adjacent groups are secured together in the form of a yoke as'shown in'Fig. 6, wherein the link for the louver group A is indicated at 8i and the link for the lcuver group B is indicated at 82. These links, formed of angle section metal strips rolled or stamped to the desired shape, are secured together in side byside llheir upper nected by pivot bolts '84 to brackets 83 bolted' to the body portions l5 of corresponding upper louvers of the adjacent louver banks or groups. The lower ends of the linksti` andv 82, secured 'together as one, are connected byy a pivot bolt or pin 85 carried in the outer end of an arm 36 that is secured on the outer end of a horizontally disiposed rod or shaft 81 that extends through the building Wall D.

' Supporting plates 89 and 88 are secured by screws 9| against the inside and outside faces respectively of the building and provide journals for mounting the shaft. Inside the building, an operating handle or crank 99 is secured on the shafts 8l so that the latter maybe readily turned in manipulating thearm 88 to shift'the links 8l and 82 in opening and closing the louvers; So that the louvers may be retained in any desired position a splineolv or interlitting connection is provided between the parts, preferably between the inner journal plate 89 and the hub 92 of the hand wheel or crank 90.

A superior construction employs a tapered socket in the journal plate 89, the socket being concentric to the journal aperture for the shaft and being internally formed with finely cut flutes or serrations 83 in its sidewalls. The journal socket receives thetapered base portion of the handle hub 92 which is formed with mating serrations 94. The shaft 81 is longitudinally shiftable in the support plates 88 and 89 so that the splined handle hub may be readily dis-engaged from the splined socket 93 of the plate when it is desired to rotate the shaft in adjusting the louvers to different positions. The splined parts are yieldingly held in interlocked relation by helical coil spring 95 received about the shaft 8"! between the link actuating arm 86 and the outer journal plate 88.

The awning of the present invention by reason of simplicity and similarity in section of ccmponent parts lends itself to economical factory assembly intov unit components by mass production methods.` The units can then be quickly and easily attached together in side by side relation at the site of use by relatively unskilled labor. The erected awning, although easily manipulated from within the building to any desired position of adjustment of the lcuvers, is capable, when closed,- ofproviding an effective water shed which minimizeswater running down the inside of the awning or dropping between adjacent banks or groups of louvers. Such water as enters between the louver end flanges and the side frame members I and 2, enters the channels I 2 formed in the frame members and is conducted by such channels-'to the bottom of the awning.

Use of the supplemental rigid frames for supporting the louvered screen material in the end openings of the awning permits these sun shading screens to be readily removed and replacedl as desired. For storage or shipment the awnings are readily 'separated into the sub-assemblies of individual louver groupswith vertical and horil,

zontal members 55 and 56 folded into the plane of the louvers, as shown in Fig. -In accordance with the patent statutes, the principles of the present invention may be utilized in various ways, numerous modiilcations and alterations being contemplated, substitution of parts and changes in construction being resorted to as desired, it being understood thatl the embodiment shown in the drawings and described above is given merely for purposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit the scope of the claims to the specific details disclosed.

` What we claim and desired tosecureby Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a movable louver type awning, a plurality of louvers, a sheet metal frame member of substantially uniform section along its length, said member comprising a substantially ilat body portion, a substantially flat louver attaching portion disposed substantially in a plane offset from and substantially parallel to the plane of the body portion and integrally connected to the latter4 along a line spaced inwardly from and substantially parallel to the outer margins of the frame member, means spaced along the length of the oilset louver attaching portion for pivotally supporting the louvers, a laterally extending cap flange disposed along one margin of the offset portion of the frame member, anda base ange l0' disposed along one lmargin of` the body portion of the yframe member andspaced from the line of integral connection between the body and offset portions, said base and cap flanges extending in opposite directions laterally from the planes of the body and louver attaching portions respectively, the cap flange intersecting the plane of the body portion andA the base flange intersecting the plane of the offset louver attaching portion.

-'2. In a movable louver type awning, a plurality of louvers, a sheet metal frame member of substantially uniform section along its length, said membercomprising a substantially flat body portion, a substantially flat louver attaching portion disposed substantially in a plane oifset from and substantially parallel to the plane of the body portion and integrally connected to the. latteralong. a line spaced inwardly from and substan-y tially parallel to the outer margins of the frame member, means spaced along the length of the oilset louver attaching portion for pivotally supportingv the louvers, a laterally extending cap flange disposeolA along 4one margin of the offset portion ofthe framemember, a base flange dis" posed along one margin of the body portion of the framemember and spaced from lthe line of integral connection between the body and offset portions, said base and cap flanges extending in opposite directions laterally from the planes of the body and louver attaching portions respectively, the cap flange intersecting the plane of the body portion and the `base flange intersecting the plane of the offset louver attaching portion, vand the base flange having along its length an angularly disposed edgev portion, said edge portion being substantially uniformly spaced from the body portion to provide between the body portion and the angularlydisposed edge portion of the base flange a water conducting channelalong the length of the frame member.

3. In a movable louver awning of the type in which banks of louvers aredisposed in side by side relation, a composite frame member assembly rfor supporting juxtaposed ends of the louvers of adjacent banks, the composite frame member assembly comprising a pair of relongated sheet metal frame members disposed alongside one another in back to back relation, eachframe member being of uniform section and having a substantially flat-body portion parallel to the corre-y sponding body portion of the other frame member, eachframe member havinga longitudinally extending louver attaching portion integrally connected to the Ibody portion of the same frame member @along a line spaced inwardly from the outer margins, of the frame member, said louver attaching portions of the frame members being oilset in opposite directions from the planes of the corresponding body portions of the frame members in the provision of a clearance'space ex,- tending longitudinally of the composite assembly between the louver attaching portions of the frame members, louver attaching means spaced along the length of eachof the louver attaching portions and extending into said clearance space, a base ilange extending laterally from the body Iportion of each frame member, the base flanges of the frame members extending in opposite directions, and a. sheet metal closure member of substantially channel section extending along the frame members and spanning the base flanges of the, latter, said, base flanges being received within the channel ofthe closure member and theclosure member vhaving means at its edges providing an interlock with the base flanges of the frame members. f

4. In a movable louver awning of the type in which banks oflouvers are disposed in side by side relation, a composite frame member assembly for supporting juxtaposed ends oi the louvers of adjacent banks, the composite frame member assembly comprising a pair of elongated sheet metal frame members disposed alongside one another in back to back relation, each frame member being of uniform section and having a substantially flat body portion parallel to the corresponding body portion of the other frame mem- -er, each frame member having a longitudinally' extending louver attaching portion integrally connected to the body portion of the same frame member along a line spaced inwardly from the opter margins of the frame member, said louver attaching portions of the trame members being offset in opposite directions from the planes of the corresponding body portions of the. frame. members in the provision of a clearance space extendingr longitudinally of theromposite `assembly between the louvcr attaching `portions of the frame members, louver attaching means spaced along the length i each of the louver Vatl taching vportions and extending into said olear ance space, a cap nange extending laterally-from the bodyportion' of each frame member, the cap anges of the frame members being overlapped across said clearance space, a base flange extending laterally'from'the body portion of each frame member, the base flanges oi the frame members extending in opposite directions, and a sheet metal closure member of substantially channel section extending along the frame members and spanning the base flanges of the latter, said base flanges being receivedv Within the 'channel of the closure member and the 'closure member having means at its edges providingan interlock with the base flanges of the frame members.

5. In a movable louver awning of the type in which banks of louvers are disposed in side by side relation, a compositeirame member assembly or supportingjuxtaposed ends of the louvers of adjacent blanks, the vcomposite frame 'member assembly comprising a pair of elongated sheet metal frame members disposed alongside one another in back to back relation, each frame member being oi uniform section and having a substantially flat body portion parallel tothe corresponding body portion of the other frame member, each frame member having a ylongitudinally extending louver attaching portion integrally connected to the body portion of the same frame member along .a line spaced inwardly rom the outer margins of the. trame member, said louver attaching portions of theframelmembers being onset in opposite directions from the. planes of the corresponding body portions of .the frame. members in the provision of a clearance space extending longitudinally o the composite assembly betweenl the louver attaching portions of the. framev members, louver attaching means spaced along the length of each of' the 'louver attaching portions and extendinginto said clearance. space, a cap flange extending laterally from the body portion of one of thev frame members, said cap ange being directed toward the plane of thev body portion of the other frame member and extending across said clearance spaceto serve as a cover for `the latter, a base ange extending laterally from the body portion of each frame member, the base iiangeA oi the frame members extending in opposite directions, and a sheet metal closure member of substantially channel section extending along the frame members and spanning the base flanges of the latter, said base flanges being received Within the channel of the closure member and the closure member having means at its edges providing an interlock with the base flanges of the frame members.

6. In a movable louver awning of the type in which banks of louvers are disposed in side vby side relation, a composite frame member assembly for supporting juxtaposed ends of the louvers of adjacent banks, the composite frame member assembly comprising a pair of elongated sheet metal frame members disposed alongside one another in back to back. relation, each frame member Ybeing of uniform section and having a substantially iiat body portion parallel to the correspondingv body portion oi the other frame member, each frame member having a long tudinally extending louver attaching portion integrallyV connected tothe body portion ofthe same frame member along a line spaced inwardly from the vouter margins of the frame member, said louver attaching portions of the vramemembers being offset in opposite directions from the planes ci the corresponding body portions of the frame members inthe provision or a clearance space "extending longitudinally of the composite assembly between the louver attaching portions of the frame members, lonver attaching means spaced along the length of each of the louver attaching portions and extending into said clearance space, a cap flange extending laterally from I the body portion oi one of the frame members,

said cap `flange being transversely arched and directed toward the plane of the body portion of the other frame member in the provision of a Water shedding cover for the said clearance space,

a base flange extending laterally from thel body portion of each frame member, the base flanges. of the frame members extending in opposite directions, and a sheet metal closure member oi substantially channel section extending along the frame members and spanning the base flanges of the latter, said base flanges being received Within the channel of the closure member and the olosure member having means at its edges providing an interlock with the. base flanges of the frame members. y g

'7. In a movable louver awning of the type in which banks of louvers are disposed in side by side relation, a composite frame member as` sembly for supporting juxtaposed ends of the louvers of adjacent banks, the composite frame member assembly comprising a pair of elongated sheet metal frame members. disposed alongside one another in back to back relation, each frame member being of uniformv section and having a substantially nat bodyy portion parallelv to. thev corresponding body portion of the otherframe membeneach frame member-having a longitudi nally extending louver attaching portion inte-1 grally connected to the body portion of the same frame member along aline spaced inwardly from the outer margins of the frame member, said loue ver attaching portions oi the frame members be ing offset in opposite directions from the planes of; the corresponding body portions of the frame members in the provision of a clearancespace extending longitudinally of the composite.` ase sembly between the louverl attaching portions of the ira-me members, louvery attaching means, spaced along the length of each of the louver attaching portions and extending'into said clear-l ance space, cap flanges extending'laterally from the body -portions of the frame members, the cap flanges each being transversely archedand being overlapped to provide a watershedding arched cover over said clearance space, a base ange extending laterally from the body portion of each frame member, the base iianges of the frame members extending in opposite directionsyand a sheet metal' closure member of substantially channel section extending along the framemembers and spanning the base iianges of the latter, said base anges being received within the channel of the closure member vand the closure member having means at its edges providing an interlock with the base flanges of the frame members.

8. In combination in an awning structure, a frame for attachment to the side of a building over 'awindow or the like, a plurality lof louvers mounted in the frame for tilting movement about parallel axes, said frame including a generally horizontal sheet metal member arranged to extend outwardly from the building and an oblique member arranged to extend downwardly and outwardly from the building, the oblique member being `connected to the horizontal member at a point of thelatter spaced from the building in the denition of a generally tri-angular end openingin `the awning structure between, the frame members and the building, lsaid horizontal frame member comprising a substantially flat body portion disposed substantially in the vertical pl-ane of the triangular end opening .and a flange eX- tending outwardly from said plane, a closure for the end opening, said closure comprising elongated frame elements connected together at their ends in the provision of a supplemental frame, panel means carried by the supplemental frame, and means connecting theY supplemental frame to the frame members for facile removal and replacement of the closure, one of the frame elements of the closure being disposed along and in contact with the top of the outwardly extending lange of the horizontal frame member for support by the latter.

9. In combination in an awning structure, a frame for attachment to the side of a building over a window or the like, a plurality of louvers mounted in the frame for tilting movement about parallel axes, said frame including a generally horizontal sheet metal member arranged to extend outwardly from the building and an oblique member arranged to extend downwardly and outwardly from the building, the oblique member being connected to the horizontal member at a point of the latter spaced from the building in the deiinition of a generally triangular end opening in the awning structure between the frame members and the building, said horizontal frame member comprising a substantially iiat body portion disposed substantially in the vertical plane of the triangular end opening and a flange extending outwardly from said plane, a closure for the end opening, said closure comprising elongated substantially U-shaped channel frame elements connected together at their ends in the provision of a supplemental frame, reticulated screen panel means carried by the supplemental frame, said screen panel means having marginal portions retentively received Within the channels of the frame elements, and means connecting the supplemental frame to the frame members for facile removal and replacement of the closure, one of the frame elements of the closure being disposed along and in contact with the top of the outwardly extending -ilange ofthe hori the cross members of the frame lbeing formed` to provide an interlocking hinged connection for suspending the frame swingably on the support member, vertical and horizontal end `frame members pivotally connected attheir ends to opposite ends of one of `the side members of the frame, the end frame members being swingable on their pivots between a closed transit and storage posi-v tion in which they are disposed substantially in the plane of the louver receiving area and an open use position in which the end frame memb'ers and the side frame members to which they are attached dene a generally triangular end opening in the structure, and means .connecting together the ends of the lverticaland horizontal end frame members remote from their pivotal connections for retention of the pivotally connected frame members in the open use position.

11. In combination in an awning structure `for attachment to the side of a building over a window or the like, a frame comprising side and cross members connected at their ends and disposed in a common plane to dene an open louver receiving area, a plurality'of -louvers supported by the frame and disposed across said area, a support member receivable against and securable to a building to which the structure is to be attached,

the support member Aand one of the'c'ross members of the framebeing f ormed to provide an interlocking hinged connection for suspending the frame swingably on the support member, vertical and horizontal end frame members pivotally connected at their ends to opposite ends of one of the side members of the frame, the end frame members being swingable on their pivots between a closed transit and storage position in which they are disposed substantially in the plane of the louver receiving area and an open use position in which the end frame members and the side frame members to which they are attached define a generally triangular end opening in the structure, a closure for the end opening, said closure comprising elongated frame elements connected together at their ends in the provision of a supplemental frame, panel means carried by the supplemental frame, means connecting the supplemental frame to the members dening the triangular end opening for facile removal and replacement of the closure, and means connecting together the ends of the vertical and horizontal end frame members remote from their pivotal connections for retention of the pivotally connected frame members in the open use position.

12. In awning construction, in combination, a plurality of adjacent assemblies of movable louvers each assembly including sheet metal frame members each having oppositely directed longitudinally extending flanges one at its top edge and the other at its bottom edge, frame members of adjacent assemblies being positioned in side by side companion relation with their top flanges in overlapped relation, louver supporting pivots carried by' esncli frame member and spaced along the length thereof, and a. sheet metal elo` sureembracng the bottom anges of the companico tramemembers.

'13.111' awning construction, in combination, a plural-ity of l adjacent assemblies'` of movable )envers y'each assembly including sheet metal frame members `each having' oppositely directed longitudinally extending flanges one at its. top edge ysind the other' at its bottom edge, frame members of adjacent assemblies'being positioned In side by side companion' relation vwith their ton flanges in overlapped relation and with their bottom flanges substantially cnplsnar, louver sup.- portmg pivots carried by `each fra-me member and spaced along the length thereo. and a sheet metal closure channel received flatwise against the-.bottom angesof'the companion frame memt4. In. awning construction, in combination, a plurality of adjacent assemblies of movable lowers: each assembly including sheet metal frame members each kavingoppositely directed longitudinally extending anges one at its ton edge-and theotheratits bottom edge. frame members of adjacent assemblies being positioned in side by sidecompamonrelaton with. their top flanges in overlapped relation and with their bottom ilanges substantially coplanar and oppositely directemlomer supporting pivots carried by each trame; member andspaced along the Vlength thereof', and e. sheet metal closure. channel received ilatwise against the'bottom danses of the companioumcmbers, said. closiu'e `channel having re versely ybent. edge portions. embracing the edges of the companion frame member bottom anges. 1.5. In awning constructiomin combination, a plurality o adjacentassemblies of movable louvers each assembly n including sheetmetal frame members: each having an integral reversely turned bottom edge portion `prcrriding a Water conducting trough, thelouvers oi the assemblies havmg ends. extending into overlying relation to the troughs, pivot means ,carried by the ,frame members and connected to` the louter ends to support the louvers, frame members of adjacent assemblies being positioned in side by side companion relation with their edge portions turned in opposite directions, and a ysheet metal closure embracing the troughs of the companionmem bers.

16. In awning construction, in combination, a plurality Of adjacent assemblies of movable louvers, each assembly including sheet. metal frame members each having an integral reversely turned bottom edge portionprovding a Water conducting trough, the louvers of the assemblies having ends extending into overlyingrelation to the troughs, pivot means carriedy by the frame members and connected to the louver ends to support the louversrame members of adjacent assemblies being positioned in sidey by side companion relation with their edge portionsI turned in Opposite directions, and a channel shaped sheet metal closurev strip embracing and extending longitudinally of` the troughs of the companion members, said closure channel having vreversely bent edges embracing thejwater conducting troughs of vthe companion frame members.

FRANK. C` RUSSELL. ARTHUR A. EN SMIINGE-R.

A References Cited inthe file 0f this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 539,098 Fauteux Dec. 4,18% 1,694,662 Ncles Dec. 1I, 1928 1,778,889 Dls'bro Oct. 21, `1930 2,239,242 Miller 'Apn 22,` E941, 2,296,467 Dugan Sept. 22, 1942 2,337,230' Chrlstianson Dem 2l, 1843 2,405,899 Otti Aug..l3, 1946 2,505,155 "Smith Apr. 25, 1,950 2,536,755 Lombardo etal. Jan- 2,1951 

